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[GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs (1¼")

Posted: January 25th, 2009, 5:59 pm
by fowljesse
Reduce your shift throw by 1¼" with the OEM knob!
I have drilled out a couple of OEM knobs, and threaded them down an extra inch and a quarter, so when you screw them on, your shift throw is reduced that much. I drilled out the bottom part of the shifter knob, to be wide enough to fit around the thicker part of the shaft. It's noticeable on the OEM shifter, and if you have a short shifter, you'll barely have to push it at all.

Here's how it would work: Either you send me your knob, and I'll modify it (preferred), or I'll send you one, and you send me yours for a core exchange.
I don't know what to charge for this. I guess $12 for the service, so you'd pay the shipping + $12 for the first option.
If you do the second option, I'd need $30, $16 of it returned when I get your shifter (in good condition). That way, I get $2 extra for the inconvenience.

See the post below for pictures :)

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs

Posted: January 26th, 2009, 2:47 pm
by Mooneggs
so can you still use the boot after you are done or do you completely remove the little white part that the boot connects to?

do you have a side by side pic of a normal knob and the modified one so we can see the difference?

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs

Posted: January 27th, 2009, 1:37 am
by fowljesse
I only painted the white part, partially because it smooths the transition from the bottom of the black part to the shaft, and because it doesn't interfere. When I drilled them out, I stopped just as it was getting into the black part, so there's only about 2mm of plastic on top of the shaft. The white part meets the wider part of the shaft, concealing the skinny part, making it look tougher.
The knob looks exactly the same (unless I paint it), since I didn't do anything to the outside (except paint it :wink: ).

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs

Posted: February 4th, 2009, 7:39 pm
by fowljesse
UPDATE:
I played with my knob, and found the limit of the shaft. I reduced the throw by just over 1¼".
Here are the before, and after:

Image

Image

And just for reference, here's my $170 short shifter:

Image

As you can see, my knob mod will shorten your shifter just as much.
Of course, most of you know that's not all there is to a true short shifter, but this gets you pretty close, cheap.

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs (1¼")

Posted: February 4th, 2009, 10:19 pm
by Evo_Spec
how's mine commin along?

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs (1¼")

Posted: February 5th, 2009, 1:26 am
by Ryan
Question:

I'm no expert about shifters, but isn't the point to shorten the portion below the fulcrum? Or is it the top half you want shortened? Either way, it would make it harder to shift.

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs (1¼")

Posted: February 5th, 2009, 2:48 am
by fowljesse
Yes. With short shifters, the fulcrum is moved toeward the center of the shifter, so there's less leverage on top, and more on bottom, so your throw is reduced alot, and although it's a little harder to push, it's not bad. I got used to mine in 2 days, and it got a little annoying switching back and forth to my stock car with the stock shifter. That's why I did this mod. Although the top of the throw is reduced about the same as a short shifter, the bottom is the same, so the shifter still travels a few millimeters more than a true short shifter.
It's alot easier swapping cars now, though. Another thing I like about it is; with the shift gate, the OEM shifter doesn't look so wimpy.

Evo-Spec, yours is the one in the picture. It's going back in the mail tomorrow :wink:

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs (1¼")

Posted: February 5th, 2009, 3:51 am
by Evo_Spec
i love you in the most non gay way ever XD

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs (1¼")

Posted: February 5th, 2009, 4:46 pm
by fowljesse
Even after all my going on about playing with the shaft, knob, drilling, and such?
Of course i meant it all in the most masculine way possible :wink:
I totally lobbed one for Daninski, and he hasn't spiked it :shrug:

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs (1¼")

Posted: February 5th, 2009, 4:48 pm
by Flyer
You should attach the drilled shifter knob to the short shifter >_>

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs (1¼")

Posted: February 5th, 2009, 7:22 pm
by Mooneggs
yes I would like to try this with my already 80% reduced throw pacesetter shifter... it's already a flick of the wrist now it will be a nudge with finger haha :lol:

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs (1¼")

Posted: February 5th, 2009, 7:36 pm
by fowljesse
Yeah Moonman, bring it over. It'll be silly how little yours will move. I want to make a video of it. I have ideas of how to reduce the height another ¼".
I'm going to put the shortened one on the short shifter, but the fast car's down whilst I put in MegaSquirt :o and a couple things :D

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs (1¼")

Posted: February 10th, 2009, 10:27 pm
by Ryan
Whack off the top of your shaft, reduce it in diameter, and then thread it, and then screw on your knob again.

Edit: I meant on top of all of this. Shortened short sport shifter with shortened stock knob.

Almost a tongue twister.

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs (1¼")

Posted: February 10th, 2009, 10:36 pm
by fowljesse
Drilling out the knob is easier.

Here's the short knob on my short shifter:

Image

Re: [GI] Throw reducing OEM shifter knobs (1¼")

Posted: February 11th, 2009, 2:44 am
by Evo_Spec
the shift boot is so crammed in there XD

hope mine comes in the mail soon